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May 2 Rally Day Speakers

Our Host - Susan Sarandon

Susan was one of Dana Reeve's closest friends and graciously offered to join us after Dana's passing.  Susan won an Academy Award for her work in the movie, "Dead Man Walking", and was also nominated for "Lorenzo's Oil", the story of parents who dedicate their lives to finding a cure for their son's rare disease.

Dr. Wise Young - Rutgers University

Dr. Young is Director of the W M Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience at Rutgers University.  He also sits on the Board of Directors for the China SCI Network and is founder of the Care Cure Community, an online forum of information for patients, caregivers and others interested in spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders.

Brooke Ellison

Brooke has been a quadriplegic for 16 years after being struck by a car at the age of 11.  Shortly before his death, Christopher Reeve directed the movie, The Brooke Ellison Story, based on a book written by Brooke and her mother.  A Harvard graduate, Brooke has dedicated her life to making a positive impact on the world; she is presently a candidate for the New York State Senate.

Jesse Billauer

When the ocean and a sandbar rendered surfer Jesse a quadriplegic, his dream of pro surfing ended. Founder of Life Rolls On, graduate of San Diego State, tireless fundraiser for paralysis research...and yes, Jesse's still surfing! 

Noah Smith

Noah was paralyzed by a flying wheel that came off an oncoming vehicle and crashed into the cab of his pickup.  He has been to RIC, Sit Tall Stand Tall, and Project Walk in a tireless effort to maximize his recovery.  Noah now works out at Awakenings in Southern California, is finishing up his college degree in Spanish, and advocates for a cure.

Richard Gaskin (ProfessirX)

Since his debut performance at the April 2005 Washington Rally, Richard has dedicated his life to the cure effort on a daily basis.  He provides a shining example of one individual who is making a difference.  Richard promises an energizing performance for everyone who comes to Washington and is Working 2 Walk.